In commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the 1991 Pinatubo Volcano eruption, the world's second largest eruption of the 20th century, the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology held the DOST-PHIVOLCS Infobit: Usapang Bulkang Pinatubo Makalipas ang Tatlumpung Taon webinar on 15 June 2021 via Zoom Webinar and Facebook Live. There were 585 registered participants, mostly residents and other stakeholders in Central Luzon.
DOST Undersecretary and PHIVOLCS Officer-in-Charge, Dr. Renato U. Solidum, Jr., shared the lessons learned from the Pinatubo experience, namely the need for multi-sector collaboration for effective disaster management, and the crucial role of science-based information for accurate eruption prediction and identification of areas to be evacuated. He also emphasized the importance of communication and community-based information for timely warning and appropriate actions of the people at risk.
Ma. Antonia V. Bornas, Volcano Monitoring and Eruption Prediction Division (VMEPD) Chief, presented the Pinatubo Volcano's current state and alert level scheme, and the bulletins and advisories issued by DOST-PHIVOLCS for public information. Ms. Bornas reminded the participants to consult and share information provided by the authorities to avoid misinformation and unnecessary panic. Engr. Rudy A. Lacson discussed how the Institute monitors Pinatubo Volcano using state-of-the-art monitoring networks and data communication. He also showed how the public can access volcano monitoring data through PHIVOLCS-LAVA. Lastly, Dr. Perla J. Delos Reyes, veteran geologist, explained the lahar incidents that occurred months and even years after the climactic eruption on 15 June 1991, the impacts on the environment and the communities around Pinatubo. Moving forward, she reminded the persistent threat of lahars, hence the need to ensure no settlement of communities in high-risk areas, and proper maintenance of dikes and other engineering structures for flood control.
Dr. Mylene M. Villegas paid tribute to former Director Dr. Raymundo S. Punongbayan, and recognized the contributions of DOST-PHIVOLCS and United States Geological Survey (USGS) scientists and engineers who ensured that the lives of people are foremost preserved. Deputy Director Dr. Teresito C. Bacolcol, in his closing remarks, hoped that these stories become lessons for us and the future generations.
